This Easy Homemade Cherry Syrup is a sweet treat made with fresh cherries, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice. It’s perfect for pancakes, ice cream, or cocktails!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries are fantastic, but you can easily use frozen cherries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure they’re pitted. If you’re short on cherries, you can use other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is the classic choice for this syrup, but you can swap it with brown sugar for a richer taste. If you prefer natural sweeteners, maple syrup or honey can work; just adjust the quantity to your taste since they’re sweeter.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a nice tang to balance the sweetness. You can use lime juice if you like that flavor. If you don’t have any citrus, vinegar can be a surprising substitute but use it sparingly.
Vanilla Extract: While optional, vanilla adds a lovely depth to the syrup. If you’re out of vanilla, almond extract or a splash of bourbon can also enhance the flavor in fun ways!
How Do I Make Sure My Syrup Isn’t Too Thick or Runny?
Getting the right consistency for syrup can be tricky. Here are a few tips to ensure you get it just right:
- Start by simmering the mixture on medium-low heat. This gentle cooking allows the flavors to meld without boiling away too much liquid.
- If the syrup is too thick, you can add a little extra water, a tablespoon at a time, during cooking until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- If it turns out too runny after cooling, it can be returned to the saucepan. Simmer it a little longer until it thickens to your liking.
- For a thicker syrup, keep it simmering longer. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Easy Homemade Cherry Syrup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, plus a little time to cool. In total, you’re looking at around 20-30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and delightful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, toss together the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, and water. Stir everything together well to combine the ingredients before heating.
2. Bring to a Boil:
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally while it heats. You want to dissolve the sugar completely and watch for it to reach a nice boil.
3. Simmer Away:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This is where the cherries will soften and the mixture will start thickening, creating that syrupy goodness.
4. Add Flavor:
After simmering, take the saucepan off the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and the vanilla extract, if you’re using it. This adds a lovely depth of flavor!
5. Mash It Up:
If you want your syrup smooth, use a spoon or a potato masher to gently crush some of the cherries in the pot. This adds a nice body to the syrup without making it too lumpy.
6. Cool and Strain:
Let the syrup cool slightly. If preferred, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to get a clear syrup. If you like a chunkier texture, you can skip this step and keep the cherry pieces!
7. Store Your Syrup:
Pour the finished syrup into a clean jar or bottle. Seal it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It will last up to 2 weeks, but I bet it won’t last that long!
8. Time to Enjoy:
Use your delicious cherry syrup over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, yogurt, or even in cocktails. There are endless ways to enjoy this sweet treat! Enjoy your homemade cherry syrup!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Cherry Syrup
Can I Use Different Types of Cherries?
Absolutely! You can use any type of cherries, whether they’re sweet, tart, fresh, or frozen. Just make sure to pit them before cooking. Sweet cherries will give a sweeter syrup, while tart cherries will add a nice tangy flavor!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Syrup?
If you prefer a less sweet syrup, feel free to reduce the sugar to your liking. Start by cutting it by a quarter cup and taste the mixture after it’s cooked. You can always add a bit more sugar if needed, but remember, the syrup will be sweeter when warmed as well!
Can I Freeze This Cherry Syrup?
Yes, you can freeze cherry syrup! Pour it into an airtight container or ice cube trays, and it will freeze well for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to use it!
What are Some Other Ways to Use This Syrup?
Besides pancakes and ice cream, you can drizzle it over yogurt, use it to sweeten drinks, or add it to cocktails for a fruity twist. It also makes a great topping for cheesecakes or a delightful addition to fruit salads!
